OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 16: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point basket against the Phoenix Suns at ORACLE Arena on December 16, 2015 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Klay Thompson was an NBA Jam player Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns. It is amazing that Klay Thompson wasn’t getting unlimited turbo and shooting a basketball on fire that would scorch the hoop as it went through the net. Thompson dropped 43 points on the Suns, including 27 in the third quarter alone, in a 128-103 victory to improve the Warriors to 25-1 this season. His 43 points scored is a season-high around the NBA, and the dude didn’t even play in the fourth quarter.

During Golden State’s 67-23 run (yes, 67-23 run), Thompson made nine of 11 shots in the third quarter and was four-of-six from beyond the arc. Thompson and Stephen Curry outscored the Suns through three-quarters of play, 68-65 according to ESPN Stats.

So, how does Thompson’s 27-point third quarter rank in NBA history? In case you forgot, it wasn’t even the best quarter of Thompson’s career. Thompson went off for 37 points in a game last season against Sacramento, which set the NBA record. Thompson went 13-for-13 on his field goal attempts and nine-for-nine from three during that magical quarter on January 23.

Top Five Individual Quarters in NBA History (per NBA.com)

  1. 37 points – Klay Thompson, Golden State (January 23, 2015 vs. Sacramento)
  2. 33 points – Carmelo Anthony, Denver (December 10, 2008 vs. Minnesota)
  3. 33 points – George Gervin, San Antonio (April 9, 1978 vs. New Orleans Jazz)
  4. 32 points – David Thompson, Denver (April 9, 1978 vs. Detroit)
  5. 29 points – Joe Johnson, New Jersey Nets (December 16, 2013 vs. Philadelphia)

The season is still young, and the Warriors still have to play the Philadelphia 76ers twice (January 30 in Philadelphia, March 27 in Oakland), so there may be a chance for Thompson to rewrite the record books again. For now, the Warriors continue to roll through the NBA with a confident and loose attitude, and it is darn fun to watch. Also, here’s hoping someone gives Thompson’s latest performance some NBA Jam treatment, as was the case back in January.

[NBA.com]

About Kevin McGuire

Contributor to Athlon Sports and The Comeback. Previously contributed to NBCSports.com. Host of the Locked On Nittany Lions Podcast. FWAA member and Philadelphia-area resident.

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